The speaker discusses the history and impact of modding in Grand Theft Auto Online (GTA Online), a popular online multiplayer game. The conversation begins by acknowledging the persistent modding problem in GTA Online on PC. The speaker then provides context by explaining the game's origins and early success, particularly on consoles like Xbox 360 and PS3.
The speaker notes that the success of GTA Online, particularly its online mode, led Rockstar Games to shift its focus away from a planned story mode DLC. This led to a rise in the popularity of mod menus, which were initially popular on consoles. These mod menus dramatically altered the gameplay, leading to chaotic lobbies and unpredictable gameplay experiences.
As consoles strengthened their security measures, the ease of obtaining mod menus decreased. However, the mod menu industry adapted and began to thrive on PC. Over time, mod menus became more powerful, offering new features and ways to gain in-game wealth. This led to players' IP addresses being exposed and sessions being disrupted.
Despite Rockstar's awareness of the modding problem, the company has not made a significant effort to address it. The company's anti-cheat system has been barely adjusted, and when it was leaked, Rockstar removed most of it. This led to the evolution of mod menus, which now offer paid versions with more features.
The most influential mod menus, like Stand and 2Take1, control the market. Stand, in particular, has been successful due to its ability to refine its mod menu to evade Rockstar's anti-cheat. However, this has led to controversy and criticism, as some mod makers have been taken down by Rockstar's parent company, Take 2 Interactive.
Despite the issues, mod makers continue to thrive, with players resorting to them not just for easy money, but also to protect themselves from other malicious modders. The speaker concludes by criticizing Rockstar for not addressing the modding problem in their most profitable game, GTA Online, while console players can enjoy a mod-free world.
1. The text discusses GTA Online on PC, which is known for having a modding problem.
2. The online version of Grand Theft Auto V was available to the public on Xbox 360 and PS3 on October 1, 2013.
3. Despite a rough launch day, GTA Online achieved immense success over the following years, with Rockstar redirecting all their attention and efforts towards GTA Online.
4. The success of GTA Online led to the release of many free DLCs, expanding the world of GTA Online.
5. The PC version of GTA Online was left with a serious modding problem.
6. Mod menus gained popularity during the console era, especially on the PS3 and Xbox 360.
7. Mod menus made lobbies exceptionally chaotic, transforming the gameplay into a spectacle of havoc.
8. Almost anyone on the console generation could easily access a mod menu by jailbreaking their console and following a few straightforward steps.
9. Mod menus have become more diverse, with more new features and ways to gain in-game wealth.
10. Mod menus became so advanced that they could evade the existing anti-cheat, making the in-game report system useless.
11. Rockstar has been slow to address the modder issue, with no genuine effort to implement a strong anti-cheat system or enhance server security.
12. As a result, mod menus continue to thrive, and more players resort to them not just for easy money, but also to protect themselves from other malicious modders.
13. The PC players are left in the dark, forced to live with modders, without Rockstar ever acknowledging the modding problem on their most profitable game ever.